Suicide rate in US jumps 24 percent in 15 years

Washington, April 22 (IANS) The suicide rate in the US soared by 24 percent between 1999 and 2014, ranking the 10th cause of death among Americans, according to a report published Friday by Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

After a decade and a half of decline, the suicide rate saw a sharp rise over the past 15 years, especially during the second half of this period, Efe news reported.

Although not strictly part of the period covering the report, the CDC also found an upward trend in the suicide rate during the first half of 2015.

The number of deaths by suicide increased in all age groups and in both sexes, the only exception being those aged over 75, among whom the suicide rate dropped slightly.

Those aged between 45 and 64 were among the most affected.

In 2014, nearly 30 men per 100,000 and nearly 10 women per 100,000 belonging to this group killed themselves.

In 1999, the suicide rate for every 100,000 men and women in that age group was around 21 and six, respectively.

Between 1999 and 2014 the percentage of children, teenagers and young people who committed suicide also significantly increased.

The most affected group by suicides was men over 75 years old.

Out of every 100,000 men, 39 took their own lives in 2014.

However, this was a decline from 1999 when 42 men per 100,000 committed suicide.